Letter: Vote Harris

The race for the District 3 House seat between Ed Harris and B.R. Skelton appears to grow more appalling by the day. If a recent news report is correct, incumbent Skelton may be unable — or unwilling — to attend a candidate forum on Oct. 18, sponsored by the Pickens County Taxpayers Association.

As a former Clemson resident, I recall how Skelton, after losing the election to Harris, used every means to get Harris' victory overturned, alleging a filing error. Skelton's efforts to maintain his House seat despite being rejected by his constituents forced the winner, Harris, to seek and win ballot listing as a petition candidate.

In late September, the Pickens County Republican Party declared Ed Harris its official candidate, though he will still appear on the ballot as a "petition candidate."

On Nov. 6, District 3 Republican voters must pay close attention to the ballot before them. They cannot vote a straight Republican ticket and still vote for Harris. They must "split" their vote, carefully scanning the ballot for petition candidate Harris and casting their votes for him.

Were Skelton to dodge the Oct 18 candidates' forum to be held at 7 p.m. in the Six Mile Town Hall, he would once again show for all to see his disdain for the voters of District 3.

He would also demonstrate more clearly than ever why Christian conservative, decorated combat veteran and successful businessman Harris deserves to represent the people of Pickens County in Columbia.